This world is an uncertain place, and life herein is equally uncertain. History is filled with examples of such uncertainty. Many people would take security in the supposed sovereignty of their country. But the geographic landscape of this world is always in a state of continual flux. In its day the Assyrian empire was mighty, but it no longer exists. Egypt was once a powerful, conquering nation but ceased to be so many hundreds of years ago. The Babylonian empire was sweeping in its conquests, but its reign of power was comparatively brief. The Persian empire was even more impressive in its might, but its empire status ceased long ago. The Greek empire under Alexander was like no other before it. Long since gone. The Roman empire far surpassed all of those previous to it, including that of the Greeks. It crumbled well over one thousand years ago.

James tells us, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights" (James 1:17). We're told further, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from Heaven" (James 3:27). The apostle Paul asked the rhetorical question, "...what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?" (1 Corinthians 4:7). All blessings come from God.

The state described in the scriptures as being "in Christ" is unique. It describes a special, personal relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is a relationship so deeply meaningful that I'm not sure we can fully understand all that goes with it. It is not simply having a relationship with Christ, it is truly being in Him. Indeed, the scriptures speak of being "baptized into Christ" (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27).

This morning we will begin to study God's plan for leadership within the Lord's church. The men of the congregation have asked me to teach this class during the Sunday morning Bible class hour. They felt this would be the best time to have the most members taking part in the study. They also felt this would allow most of the ladies within the congregation to also be involved in the study. In addition, the Junior High and Senior High Bible classes will also come into the auditorium for this study.

Tomorrow is Memorial Day, a national holiday. It is observed each year on the last Monday in the month of May. The holiday, formerly known as Decoration Day, commemorates military personnel, men and women, who have died while in service to the United States of America.

Jesus stated, "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). Think about what that statement says. First, we can know truth. Jesus said so. Some people think that truth is relative. They believe that truth changes based on time, circumstances, and personal feeling and interpretation. They see truth as fluid, always adjusting, changing. What is true today may not be true tomorrow, and then it may be true again next week. Jesus, however, settled the matter. His statement is unequivocal; we can know truth!

Mother's Day! We love our mothers, and rightfully so. Much has been written about the special, nurturing love of a mother. It's not that a mother's love is better or more important than that of a father. It's just different, unique. I believe we can see God's handiwork when we observe how He designed the family. A child needs both the special love of a mother and the different but equally special love of a father. Both are needed for the full nurtuting, molding, and development of a child in the home.

There is an exhortation in scripture that is appropriate for all people of all ages seeking truth on any subject: "Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord..." (Isaiah 1:18). Truth does not need to fear examination. Indeed, genuine truth shines all the brighter under the microscope of scrutiny. The apostle Peter instructed to "always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meelness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15).

Someone has recently said, "The greatest challenge to faith is not intellectual at all, but rather shallow indifference." As I personally see it, the greatest threat from within the church today is not false doctrine, vile sins, or even the loss of faith, but rather simple indifference.

Just what is a steward? Two Greek words are translated "steward" numerous times in New Testament scripture. The first word is "Oikonomos." Broken down, "Oidos" refers to "a house.""Nemo" is an "arranger." Put together, you have the idea of a house arranger. The second Greek word is "Epitropos." It means "commission" and is rendered "steward" (NKJV) or "tutor" (KJV) in Galatians 4:2 and "steward" in Matthew 20:8.